CT-5 to ET-7 S1. Upgrade or Sideways move?

[artemus]

Hello Gentlemen &/or Ladies. Its been a while since visiting. Greetings from the USA, Tennessee, to be more precise. What a year it has been. Anyway on to the subject
I am happy with the CT5 and cannot even think of any real weaknesses. But audiophilia has hit and I wonder if the ET7 would be an upgrade? The single tube is run very hard in the ET series which I can see as a down side. But what other qualities does it have that perhaps the CT5 is missing.
Thanks for your insight.

arte

[AnotherJohnson]

Welcome. I am in TN too. Not too far from Nashville.

In my opinion, ET7 s1 is an upgrade over the CT5, but I think RJ might disagree, preferring the latter. I think he’s owned both.

I did upgrade from the ET7s1 to the s2, but I could have been happy with the s1 …. And if I were starting from a CT5, I could probably have been happy with that too.

[Big Dog RJ]

Yes, the ET7 and ET7 S2 are definitely an upgrade in every way from the CT5, without a doubt.

However, my CT5 is no ordinary CT5, it's modded and has a few goodies that are only found in the GAT series. I've also had done quite substantial work on some other very high grade caps, not just Teflons, plus Vishays have been included. So this was a complete "custom made" sound around the 6N30P tube, which I prefer over the 6922 used as a linestage. That's a personal preference, so if I were to label my CT5, it would be called an ACT2 series 3, if ever one existed!

I went a little nuts/ overboard with these upgrades on both my monoblocks and the CT5, so it was solely meant to create a particular type of sound. Hence, it did cost an awful lot! Therefore don't do what I did, unless you are 110% sure of retaining this preamp for a long time, which you're not...

So, in all do respects, yes the ET7 series is a defined upgrade if you wish to go that way. Basically, the most significant change is the preamps neutrality factor. The ET series preamps are very neutral and further neutral as you get upto the GAT, as if no preamp existed at all! So that's a good thing! It gets out of the way and doesn't alter the source signal much by comparison to other linestage preamps. Therefore, if that's what you like, go for it!

I certainly do but I prefer what I've done with the other project. Maybe in time to come I may change but nothing in this decade...

Cheers maties, and enjoy those fine tunes!
Best, RJ

[roberto]

Hola Artemus and welcome,

Downside using only one 6922? With much respect, I don't think so. The new Conrad Johnson sound quality philosophy is to bring the quality input signal almost untouched. Neutrality is the clue. My ears are very happy with the quality sound of the ET-7 S1. My liking and also the speaker that I have, shows the most insignificant change that I did in the signal path. The naturalness exhibit with it is marvellous. All the musical instruments are played with extraordinary and astonishing stage presentation. The harmonic texture with the right micro-dynamics is awesome, the result is a dramatic experience. It is like having the musician(s) playing for you there, in your own place.

Do your best and try in your system. Let your ears decide what's best for them with your own system. Trust what they are telling you. They are the final judges.

As our member RJ says: enjoy those fine tunes!

Happy listening!

[artemus]

Well, Hello to my neighbor, Another Johnson near Nashville. Wish I was closer but I am on the far eastern end in Kingsport. Thanks for the info of all who have contributed. FWIW I've been nursing a cold for the last 3-4 days so I may no get back til tomorrow.

I guess I knew it was and upgrade but wanted to hear from those who know and have experienced it. I love the CJ sound and have really enjoyed the CT5. From my understanding the tubes are run very hard and therefore have a very short lifespan. This is somewhat bothersome but I suppose the 6922 are plentiful and cheap enough. Or are they? Preamp tubes should be anmong the better quality, but does this pre need the best of the best to sound good? This may become problematic. Would you be able to purchase tubes from an online seller who relies on the factory for matches, etc? Then too how long does the tube last? 1 yr? 6mos? I guess if one could find the tubes cheap enough, the one could consider it like fuel, being the propelent to the great music which must be refueled more often than the compacts.
Thanks for the help guys

[roberto]

Artemus,

I want you to know this. For your information, I bough my ET-7 five years ago...and I only got one bad noisy channel with a Philips 6922 made in Holland tube. Then did some tube rolling until ended using a Genalex Gold Lion.

I talked to Jeff Fischel regarding about the tube eater on the latest models...and he said: We are not a tube factory. We try to use what the tube factories are using on these days including NOS. The tubes that we use, our design is under their specs. We do not over power them!!! (These are my words, my poor English do not allows to me to speak with more fluent expression.

On the other hand, and this is my believe, CJ is sounding so good that there are people with an envy...so a bad mouth talking about been tube eaters is what they spread. The tubes last as any other brand...otherwise I will be the first one yelling about. Lifespan is the same as other brand using the same tube.

I had three power tubes in my Classic One Twenty since five years too. That happened the first year and a half...now I am still having a wonderful super clean sound, so clean, and I am re-discovering my entire collection of music. Every day I get goosebumps while listening to the music. My system had turned as a very emotional, with a warmth and fulled of musical expression. Every day I am transported to a Nirvana. The naturalness, the timbre, the stage, the fun of the musicians playing together, the non fatigue sound. The magic of Conrad Johnson is what I have, as you do too.

No one can tell you how long a tube will last. Tell me which brand of tube gear warrant the tubes...they can not. Can tubes be predictable? A very tough question, right?
Happy listening

[Joe Appierto]

Something to consider should you go the ET-7 route would be trying a 7DJ8/PCC88 in place of the 6922. This 7 volt tube should last longer than its 6 volt brethren. I used them extensively in the 16LS2 and 17LS and as the input tube on the 140 amp.

Just a thought.

[AnotherJohnson]

I lived in Kingsport in the mid 70’s when I worked for Kodak at TEC as Corporate Specialist for Vibration Analysis and Alternate Corporate Specialist for Noise Control. The woman who is now my wife of 46 years worked for Kodak at ECPD.

Regarding the tube life issue, I’ve been using ET3SE, 2 ET7s1s, and now an ET7s2 ever since the ET3SE was introduced. All but one ET7s1, were bought new.

I’ve had two tubes become noisy within their first year of use over this period. Both were OEM tubes. After replacement with 6922 Gold Lions, I’ve not had any need to replace further tubes.

FWIW, these small tubes are not expensive. I actually keep enough tubes in stock (about 45 tubes when audio and guitar amps are all tolled) so that I could replace them all if needed. But the inventory collects dust. Tube life seems good to me.

[artemus]

Thank you all very much. Its good to hear from those with experience. Roberto, your English is very good. No apology necessary as you were very helpful in your explanation as was AJ. Thanks also Joe, for the recommendation of the 7dj8.

FWIW, you guys are great. Its so hard to find good info on the various audiophile boards today. Too many snarky comments by people who don't know what they think they know. Roberto, you call them jealous but I often believe they just have never heard really musical high end equipment. Vintage is a mainstay today which often means they have the equipment I had in the 70's or 80's. I don't like to belittle others, especially when they don't have the $$$ to get the really expensive pieces.. Yet, my wallet is quite thin too. But I get what I can and have been able to put together a system that I am proud to have anyone hear. Is it the best? Of course not. But I work within my budget. So, I understand those who don't have the monetary means. But I don't understand anyone who begrudges and or ridicules others who may have the means. Maybe it is like you say, Roberto. maybe they indeed are jealous. I guess I've never saw any reason to be jealous. Won't get you anywhere good. Plus, life has been good to me. Sorry for the philosophy. Hopefully you will understand my exuberance

[artemus]

BTW AJ. I've always been amazed at how many people either know where Kingsport is or has lived here in the past. I've met various in various places throughout my travels to whom this applies. I actually met my wife of 46 yrs in my home state of MD when she was visiting a friend. Of course I persuaded her to stay. We moved around some but ended up here in the early/mid 90's. Didn't mean to stay, but here I am. Its a good place overall, though Johnson City & Bristol have grown and Kingsport has become a retirement place for many. But I haven't found any reason to leave. Though as I get older I do miss family. Golden years, they say. I looked at you listed system *& equipment. Do you still own all that CJ stuff or is that a list of your past components?

[AnotherJohnson]

The stuff in my signature is most of my current gear. I think there is a TEA2MAX hiding somewhere to be trotted out if I decide to ramp up to two systems again. Also a mid spec LP12, Oppo of some flavor, Marantz 8006 maybe, Denon Home 350, Denon 3 head tape deck, several low tier phono stages.

The list in my profile is probably not complete, but I enjoy trying and trading, so I’ve owned a lot of gear. My favorites are from CJ, and next AR and Krell.

In the days of the Kodak Annual Wage Dividend, any Kodak town was a great place to set up an enthusiasts store.

I bought my first system that was not in a console from Mr Toad’s Sound Concept in Johnson City. A Scott R33S receiver, a Garrard record changer, closed box bookshelf speakers, zip cord. I think it was about $450.

[artemus]

Mr Toad's is still in business here ...again. He just had Johnson City for a while. I wandered into Watkins sometime during a visit to Kingsport back in the '80's. I became quite fond of the old man Bill Sr. Great people, both he and his son. Unfortunately Bill sr died a few yrs back. But he left a TAS top award speaker which I understand are selling well. If I had a smaller room I'd consider them. But they are bookshelf speakers. They do go down to 42hz though. Very surprising sound coming from such a small package. I'm not even sure if my system is posted here. its on A'gon

[roberto]

Hola Chicos,

You, the user of the CJ latest models, know what Jeff is doing: The smallest path of the signal and the best quality parts available from the Electronic Industry.

The lifespan of the tubes relays only from where the tube was made. Now, as a general rule, the most 6922 that we are using is the Genalex brand. I am not going to say that this is the best sounding 6922 tube on Mother Earth, because we might find out there a good NOS tubes with great sound. The good thing of this Genalex 6922 is that it sounds very nice.

I use a total of four Genalex 6922. One in my ET-7 and three in my Classic 120SE. They have being playing for me for more than three years by now, and still are sounding superb!. I play my system every day...and over four hours, so I can conclude that I use my system a lot.

Yes, CJ goods on these days are pricy. But the quality electronic components inside and the quality sound of its design is unmatched. I also think that what you pay and what you get worth every penny. Quality has no regret!

Happy listening!

[artemus]

Thanks Roberto. I also have had good fortune with Genelex. i have the KT88 in my amp now. Had them in my previous El 34 amp which also used tube rectifier. The Gold Lion rectifier was a step up in quality of the sound. So I do not doubt your word about it whatsoever. I feel confident now, that the single tube does not cause problems

[roberto]

Yup, right on with Genalex tubes. I like them a lot...and also it looks that most of us like it too. You can find them in Amazon.com You can find them even gain paired. I do like the gold pins, they do not get rusty in our Costa Rica humid weather. We only have two seasons, the dry and the wet. The dry last four months, from December to March...April starts to get some rain and from May to the first days of December, we get rain every day.

So having gold pins is a good think. Also, every three months, I take out and put back in all the small tubes in my system. I assure you this works great and have a very clean, transparent, free of distortion quality sound.

You can't go wrong with it Artemus. Genalex is a great sounding tube. The advice from Joe is a good one too. The 7DJ8 is a good substitute for the 6922. The filament voltage is higher, and it will work perfect as a 6922. It is a direct replacement for it.

Happy listening!

[Big Dog RJ]

Checking in on Arte,

How did you go with the ET7 comparison? Did you manage to arrange a demo? Was wondering what were your findings, since your last post...

Cheers, hope all is well.
RJ

[artemus]

Sorry for dropping out on this. Life has been hectic this summer. I have too many irons in the fire especially at 70 yr old. Long story short, I missed it. I slept too long on it and another lucky person bought it. But I suppose another deal will come along. All that said, I want to thank everyone for your input.